Card for card-indexes.



LRRALPH. A

GARD IOR CARD INDEXES.

APPLICATION FILED 0033.12, 190B. I. 9 I. Il @IE5 I Patented Oct; 20, 1914.

2l SHEETS-SHEET l.

J. E. RALPH.

GARD POR CARD INDEXES.

APPLICATION l-ILED 00T.'12, 190s.

Ll lpjlo ,v Patented OGUQO, 19M.

myV-MM srATEs .PATENT orrroa JOSEPH E. RALPH, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.`

enna)` non cnnn-rnnnxns.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented oct. 2o, i914.

Application filed October 12, 1908. Serial 'Na-457,317.

To @ZZ whom t may concern Beit known that'I, JOSEPH E. RALP'I, a citizen of the United States, residing at. Newark, in the county of Essex and Statey offl \f\ew Jersey, have invented certain new anduseflil Improvements in Cards for Card- L Indexes; and I do hereby declare the following'to be a full5 blear, and exact description vthat the upright edges of the .card will .bei

in alinement.

A still further object of the invention is g .to provide a card of this general descriptioni with projections which may be' actuated by suitable selective means in a container for the cardstbe projections in certain of the;

cards being-.serrated for engagement with` 'the selective means.

Vi/Titlithese andl other objects in view, the

v' invention comprises certain new and useful constructions, arrangements and combina- .tions of parts as will be hereinafter de' scribed and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 c is a plan view of a card embodying the features of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a slightly modified form of card shown in Fig. 1, the same having an orifice for receiving a locking rod, andarranged with a slot for withdrawal or insertion of card over the locking rod, and slightly modified governing means. Fig. 3 is aplan view of a card constructed with an orifice for receiving a locking rod similar to the orifice in Fig. 1, but arranged with a slightly dil'ferent form of governing mein-` bers. Fig. 4l is a .plan View of a, card having E secured thereto a positioning member attachment, and governing members having concaved ends. F ig; 5 is a plan view of a card arranged with an attached positioning member secured on the bottom edge near the center thereof and formed with governing? members having rounded ends.. Fig. 6 is a plan view of a card `similar to the card shown in Fig. l, except the positioning member attachment is formed with a slot and the governing members are formed With rounded ends. Fig. 7 is a plan view of a card arranged with a positioning member having a vslot :formed therein similar to the positioning member shown in Fig. 2, but with a slightly modified form of governing members arranged for receiving a governing member attachment. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a card similar to the card shown in Fig. Y, but arranged with a positioning member similar to that shown in Fig. 20,- and a slightlyy modified form of governing member attachment.- Fig. 9 is a plan view of a -card arranged with a positioning member similar to the positioning member shown in Fig. 1, but arranged with notches `for receiving governing member attachments. Fig. l0 `is a plan. view of a card having a pivotal point and a locking rod attachment in one of its upper corners, serially .marked indicated governing members with Vapertures opposite each of the governing members, rests, and a positioning member on the same end but at the opposite corner to the pivotal point. Fig. 11 is a slightly modified form of the card shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12. a plan view of a card arranged with a locking rod opening at its pivotal point' near the middle of one end and formed with arc shaped ends permitting movement of the-card at its pivotal point. Fig. 13 is a slightly modified form of card to that shown in Fig'. 12. Fig. 14. is a plan view of a card arranged with a positioning member at the lower'corner'thereof and clearly indicated serially marked governing members. Fig. 15 is a slightly modified form of card to that shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is av plan view of a card in which the governing members are indicated on each side thereof and serially marked, the card being provided at its lower end with' a positioning member. Fig.y 17 is a plan view of a card similar to the card 'shown in Fig. 16, except that `the Same is provided with notches and apertures for receiving governing member attachments. i A

In constructing cards according to the present invention the aim is to provide cards just as readilyusable in an automatic selective card index. eoiitaineras the conventional cards are in the containers in common use,

all of the cards in a complement being made exactly alike, and each card being provided with a selection or governing member for each subject or class that was to be selected. Each card will'also be provided Withv rests on its bottom edge to sustain its weight' while in normal position and maintain its governing' members just clear of contact y with the action and. wearv of the selecting devices of the container, except when those are-actuated that relate to subjects indorsed l ing the selections 1n normal position and lowering "to a distinct position those not wanted and lin th'ose containers in which the selections are made by projecting cards to a distinguishing position above the mass j combined withattachments. The cards are adapted to receive and be actuated With' simple locking rods 'or with rods that per mit -removal of the. card when the rod'is'; in a certain position and whether or not; -tlie go'vei'ningmeinbers are simply indi-jy cated, as byprinting, cut to a shape fro'm the card';Y in the' form of means to'securej projecting attachinentsr in for'm of af recess on the edge that is susceptible ofi closure by the insertion of an attachment. The selective range ofv these cards is limited to the numberv of feasible subdivisions' of the lower edge that is not required for` lists as will 'be seen byctheeindividual de-' of the cards.

Figs. 1 to 9 show cipal modifications thereof suitable for use in a container adapted to make selections' by the relationship of the card to a subject in one Aor both of two selective lists having the entire formationpreferably out,E

fpom a single piece of stock or of a card the positioning member andthe rest spaces.

The card and its modiiications shown inr y Figscl to 9have each eight governing members or means to attach' governing mem bersspaced along the bottom edge and when e placed in asuit'able container could be used for data divided intoeight selective divi-. sions grouped in a single'list or could ,bef used for data dividedinto sixteen selective divisions' by grouping the divisions in two 'scription of its figures referred' to hereinafter.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a card l cut in its entirety from a single piece of card stock having a positioning member 2 with its outline in the form of a segment of a circle that 'has its center coincident with the lower center of the lock rod opening 2a which has-.an elongated form to permit ver- .3 are shown serially marked alphabetically with capitals and small- 'letters but any a card and the prin-V serial :narking can be employed'. that will readily identify the same member on all ,the cards ofV a complement and be convenient to indicate its place relationship on the list of selective subjects. Their location, size and line of severance from thefbody of the card are, in this instance, -clearly'indicated by printing so that in use the exact size, shape and position of the 'members to 'be retained to make the card selective when inscribed data is desired vis positively known and the lines of severance for tlfe removal of the Aundesired governing membersv is clearly shown.l This removal may be by vmeans of a knife, scissors 'or other cutting -tool or by means of a special hand tool with suitable stops -and guides to accurately e cut-away a governing member or a .larger tool that can beaccommodatingly arranged 'toont away all, or any desiredv governing members at -one motion. tom edge of card' l and still farther toeither side 'of the centrally located positioning .member 2 are seen two rest-spaces 4; and 5.

This extreme proximity to the ends is usually' most. desirable as this location tends to steadiness and positiveness iii the several actions but the only essential is-that a e rest-space or rest-spaces will be so formed 'aste-support the-Weight of the card While in normal position 4and maintain the ends of the governing members in use suiliciently beyond the contact of the selecting means- .of the container while making selections of other cards.

If acomplement of such cards as shown Also on the botin Fig.' l were to be used in the real estate business A might mean one family house, B two family', C three family, and D apartment'house, and a constructed of frame, l) of'brick,v c-with an eXtra lot, and ci with a stable. When a new parcel of property was to be listed lany unused card could be taken and the usual data inscribed thereon and this could be as is at present customary by filling in a vform on its faceor faces prepared by printing andruling whichswould naturally be arranged so that the 'street and house number could appear prominently near. the upper edge. If such a card for each property vregistered in an olicewas placed in a selective container arranged with an inner tray that made selections by retaining them in their normal position the positioningmember 2 'would movably vfit the troughlike positioning means of the tray While thel i rest-spaces 4 and 5 came into positive and lsupporting Contact with rest-ledges at the Li-lacie anceof center would be such that when the vcradle was lowered the lock rod would bein itsdupper position. As the projecting depth ofthe governing members 3 and 3 that were left upon the 'cards was also equal (with an allowance for clearance) to the up and down movement of the inner tray, the movement of theA tray would not cause a contact and consequent selection unless some of the con` tainers selectors were in selective position. The. operative. movement of the selectors would be a vertical parallel rise at all points of its length equal to the down motion of the cradle by which means its upper edge when'- operated is just suiiiciently below the plane of the lower ends of the governing members to be clear then while the tray was, in upper or normal position and as each selector runs under the entire mass of contained cards at v a right angle to the plane of their faces at their lower edge. it is evident if any selector is operated all contained cards retaining a. governing member relating to the subject vselective by means of any particular selector will come in contact with thatselector when it is operated and be retained in their normal position while the balance of the cards `still supported by their rest-spaces a and 5 resting on theledges provided in the tray *willI descend with the tray to a distinctive position. This would be true whether the lock rod was in position or not as its only function is to prevent the withdrawal'of cardswhile it is in position. lf then with Suchcards in such a container selections were desired according to a single list or group the operation would be as follows: lf a necessity to select all the one family houses arose the operator would set or actuate the Selector relating. thereto accurately selecting it bymeans of the in'dex'on the face of the container Aor elsewhere and operate the cradle thus retaining in normal position all tht cards retaining the governing member 3 serially marked A, for all .A governing members would come into contact with the one family house (A) xselector and hold the left corner of the cards to which they were attached at normal height while the other corner and theunselected cards would descend with the tray to a lower level thus leaving the 'selected cards in a clearly distinguishable position. This selective action would be almost instantaneous and the location of the properties thus disclosed would be easily ascertained by' the customary method of examining the upper'edge and they could be further and fully examined by withdrawing them in the usual way according to the use or style of locking rod. By restoring the cradle and selector to their normal positions other selections could be made by similarmanipulations such as a selection of properties having a stable on the lot or in connection with-a dwelling. As a result of this second selection such of the I selector operating to make a retaining contact with governingA members serially marked A or properties withstables by using only the selector for d governing members but thatif both the selectors for A and d governing members were actuated or set-before operating the cradle the result would be thatall the cards containing both subjects would have both their upper corners retained in normal position 'or in other words they would remain exactly as they were normally with their upper edges at an even parallel elevation above. the mass of cards that had dropped with the cradle to a` lower level. From this ability to make a selection that relates at once to two subjects such cards in suitable containers would have a wide range of usefulness in other lines than real estate as for instance the 'grouping of the'names of customers and correspondents by lines of business in one selective group and their geographical or selling agents terri-v tory in another group or where expiration dates as inperiodical subscription lists or insurance lines the tabulation of governing dates or periods by two serial marks one of which belongs to each seriesthus Aa, Ab and Ac. A 3 X 5 card arranged with two groups of eight governing members would give sixteen single selections or sixty four double selections over enough double sections for'the expirations of a weekly periodical or five years of monthly insurance expirations. These same cards would be just as serviceablevin selective containers operating without an inner tray, the positioning member 2 would movably engage with the trough like receiving means but in this case the lock rod would normally be in the upper portion of opening 2 and the elongated form ofthe opening permit the vertical movement incident to single or double subject selections, the rest-spaces 4A and 5 would aengage with the rest ledges along the inner sides of the container and support the weight of the cards while in normal position and maintainfthe lower ends of any governing members justA clear of the upper edges and in alinementiwith their respective selectors in the container. In this style of container the setting or actuating of a container selector wilLact directly and immediately upon a superimposed governing member by coming in contact therewith and raising it thus causing that side of the card to which it belongs to Vbe pushed through the mass of contained cards to a distinctive position in having one corner elevated above the normal upper position,

or .if a selecto-rineach group is actuatedl lhe whole card will be forced through andl ave its upper edge evenly raised abovethe .nass of cards.v The same variations of seections whether single `r double can be made, the only difference bc-.ing the dispensinguwith the manipulation of the cradle and the acting of the container selectors directly upon the governing members, the cards being the same and preparedin the sanie manner.

in Fig. 2 is shown` a card 19 formed with a pluralityof governing members 3c and 3d,

having rounded ends. Opposite eachA of the governing `members are arranged apertures 17c and 17El Afor receiving governing member attachments in case the 'Wrong governing member is removed. i Arranged at the bottomedge centially vof the card is a locking rod opening 2 having a positioning member varranged adjacent thereof formed With an opening or slot 16 whereby the card may be placed on .a locking rod or removed therefrom without the removal of the locking rod.

In Fig. 8 is shown a card 7 formed withl governing members 3 and 3" cut outv orv caved ends for receiving selectors havingv I rounded upper surfaces. Arranged' between pairs of the governing members are apertures 28a and 28b for receiving governing member attachments in case the governin0r members are not positioned at the right point. Seeuredto card2S is a 'positioning member attachment 2 secured in position by projecting'spurs 27 and 27, and also securing members 271 and 27,c arranged in recesses or orifices similar to the recesses and orifices shown in Fig. 7 except that the same are arranged adjacent Vthe lockingrod opening -inclosed by the attachment. The attachment 2 Yis vpreferably cut from thin sheet metal and formed with a iiange 42 surrounding the locking rod opening. The securing members 27b and 27care in the form oi' `-winged turn buttons formed from metal and having an eyelet like projection extending from the hub vportion which is slightly bent for holding the securing members in position.

In Fig. 5 will be seen a slightly modified form of the card shown in Fig. 3, in which is arranged apertures 291 and 29b opposite' positioning attachmentis .provided similar` to positioning attachment 2.

In Fig. 6 a still-.c-further mfodied form of the card shown in Fig.- dis disclosed in which apertures 37? are-provided opposite the juncture of each tW of the governing members 37b. A positionn attachment is provided similar to the positioning attachment 2 except (that the-same! is arranged with a slot or opt't'iing 83 for permitting the cards to be placed"y in position :and removed without removing the locking rod.

InFig. 7 aslightly diiferent/form of oa'rd is presented in which the gverning'members are provided by attachments, the card bein cut away or formed with notches 12 `and,a`pertures 13 for receivingattachments- 20.r TiffAttachments 20 are held in position by a spur 21 and' by a turn button 22. This form of card is also provided with an elongated locking rod opening anda slotted positioning member for permitting the.

ready removal .and insertion of the card wit-hout removing the locking'rod.

In Fig. 8 a eardsimilar to the card shown ,/.in'Figz 7 is disclosed, exceptthat the notches 31b and apertures 31a are positioned at the juncture of each alternate pair of governing spaces for receiving governing member attachments 123 arranged to have the contact portion 24 theieofextend over to one side for properly coming opposite the governing spaces. The governing attachment 23 is secured in position by a spur and turn button similar to attachment 20, and will therefore need no further description. This form of card is also provided with a positioning member similar to that shown in Fig. 4f'.

' form of card to that shown in Figs. 7 and 8,

in. which substantially V-shaped apertures InFig. 9 is a further slightly modifiedin-attachment as 15 isplaced in the notch. I

This card is also formed with a locking rod opening and positioning member similar to that shown in Fig. 1. r

`- Figs. 10 and 11 show'cards formedv with' their pivotal points at one end near the upper edge, governing members on the ends upon which the pivotal point is located, and on the lower edge, a positioning member,

and rests on the lower edge of the card. The

cards so that the cards are locked 1n position, either when in the Acontainer in its nor- I mal position, or when swung around at its pivotal point. This class of cards may be for any of the purposes heretofore set forth,

-or may be used in any desirableway involving 'a single list of selections.v Fig. 10 dis- 5 closes a plan view of a card having its pivotal point at one end and near` the upper edge and provided with an attachment 166 which is secured to the card at one end near the upper edge and formed with a locking rod opening 162 thathas its center'coincident with the pivotal point 'of the card. Positioned upon the end fupon which the pivotal point is located and on the lower end of the card are governing members 165 clearly indicated and serially Ymarkedl Uponthe lower edge ofthe card are provided rests 164 which are arranged to support the card `when inA its normal lowered position. In addition. there is positioned on the lower edgeof the card a positioning member' 163 that is struck upon the arc of 'a circle with the center at the pivotal point of the card so that in any movement ofthe-card the positioning memberymay be permitted to'4 guide the-card so that -the-selectors may always properly 'engage the.y overningfmem-'- bers 165. Opposite each ,othergoverning members 165are provided apertures170 for receiving governing member attachmehtsyin case any of the governin members 165 were accidentally removedw en .not desiredto be removed. In Fig. 11 is disclosed a, card similar to the card shown infFig. 10, except that the governingy members 165. are cutout '35 and formed with concaved ends and the positioning member 172 is formed with a slot 173. .This Icard is also formed with apertures 17 5 arranged opposite the juncture of each alternate governing member.

40 Fig. 12 is a plan view of a card having arc shaped ends with an aperture 132 provided for a locking rod at one end when the locking rodris used, the center of the aperture being coincident with the pivotal point of the card. `The card is formed with a rounded end 133 in order to permit the freer pivotal movement of the card, .and also permit the card to be moved around its pivotal point without allowing a large space in the container. On the end opposite end.133 are formed governing members arranged in the are of a circle, the arc being struck upon the pivotal point of the card. Suitable rests are provided for the card, and also a 'positioning member 129.

Fig. 13 is a vcard formed with one end shortened or cut off in linev with 'the pivotal point of the card, and is supplied with an attachment 97in which. is" formed an aper- G ture for accommodating a locking rod with its center coincident with the pivotal point of the card.. [along the lower edge of the cardis formed governing members 148 opposite which are arranged apertures 149 set opposite each pair of the governing men members.

bers. Apair of 'rests 147 areprovided in line with the line of severance of the, governing members for properly supporting the cards when not in use.V

In Figs. 14 and 15 'are shown cards pro-` vided with thesame characteristics as disclosed in the preferred form f card heretofore described, the principal diiference in the cards shown in these two figures being the attachment 99 formed with aslot or opening 100. These cards are suitable for use in selector containers for making selections from a singe group of subjects that are arranged by having their governing members grouped on the lower edge. The 80 containers in which these cards are adapted to fit can be arranged so that the selectors are beneath the card for raising or supporting the/individual cards when a selectionis desired.' In vthese figures -"positioning 35 members are arranged inthe saine location at the lower corner of the card but constructed slightly different in orderto accomvplishthe various results hereinafter more clearly-setv forth, but so positioned that the positioning members` are formed in the shape of a segment of a circle whose center is coincident with the pivotal point of the card, and is formed to movably engage with a'positioning means in a container having a 95 trough shaped formation. This card is supplied With a group of indicated serially marked governing members 85 along the lower edge. The governing members 85 have shown along their upper ends a line of severance to indicate the correct place for the severance of the undesired governing This card is ladapted to make only a single selection and is limited in the numberof selections to the number of governing members 85 placed on the lower edge of the card. The card is also provided with rest spaces 8? 83 having the same functions asheretofore described; namely, for supporting the card when in a normal position, and is arranged on the bottom edge in line with the line of severance of the governing members. 'The use of this card may be for the purpose heretofore set forth in regard to the preferred structure or any lil other lise that may be found desirable. Any unused card can be taken for a new record, and by cutting awaygany governing members not necessary to insure the selection at will of any subject indorsed thereon the card Will-operate properly when the selectors of the container are operated so as to be brought in contact therewith;

In Fig. 16 is shown a plan View of a card cut to shape from the card stock so that the governing members are clearly indicated by their shape. The governing members are also serially marked, and their line of sevarance piainly defined. The shape of gov- Verngirig members shown in this view is s'ln- 13o CII 'ply by Way of illustration as many moditif cations can be made, the essential requisite being that each side projecting governing member provides an opportunity uto project a container selectingrbar under its lower odge, the lower edge-being arranged to rest on a projected selector during a selected condition. The card'is formed with a locking rod opening 5`9- and end governing members 58a, together with rests 57i. l In Fig. 17 is disclosed a card similar to the card shown in Fig. 1G, except that in-A stead of having governing members formed for primarily engaging selector bars it has formed notches and corresponding apertures for receiving governing attachments 78. There-are also arranged notches (36a and 6Gb at thelower end as Well as rests GG, The card is-also formed with a governing meinber 46 that isf formed by' cutting out the lower en'djof the card in the shape of a semicircle for tting over asuita-ble support in the container.

In all of the cards, both of the preferred and the modified forms, serial marking is provided, either in single groups or in a plurality of groups, together with clearly indicated lines of severance for removal of the various goyerning members, or where governing member' attachments are provided lines for guiding andplacing the attachments are provided. i l' That I claim is: 'i

l. In a device of the character described, a card formed with a locking rod aperture, rest portions formed by notching out 'ihe lower corners of the card and serrated projections rigid with the card extending below. the rest portions, the edge of the card hav-V ing the projections being provided with orifices. r Y A 2. In a device of the character described,

a card provided with a rod aperture, projecon the lower edge, a notched-out'central v portion, and a rounded projection extending into said central notched-out portion.

4. Acard for card indexes having a centrally located arcuate positioning member formed -on one'edge thereof, and a projection extending from said edge on each side of the positioning member. i 4

5. A' card for card indexes comprising a body, an arcuateinember formed on one edge' of the 'card for supporting said card as the -latter rotates, and projections eX- tending from the bodyfof the card. e

A card for `card indeXes having an arcuate positioning member thereon and having a rest portion on each side ot' the positinilrg member. f 7. A .carrie-tor card indexes havingl one edge' thereof provided with an arcuate p0rtion forming a positioning and supporting means, and having rest portions formed on thesainc side of the card carryingthe .arcuateportiongsaid arcuate portionadapted to support the card as the latter rotates, the center of the arcuate portion being the center about which the card rotates. testimony whereof vI affix my signa.- ture in presence of Atwo witnesses.

JOSEPH E. RALPH itnesses BUEREK, FRANK ERN. 

